The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have cordoned off a road in Ventnor following the partial collapse of a family home – whilst the occupants were asleep in their beds.
A cordon has been established around the terraced multi-storey building overlooking St Catherine’s Street, which has suffered a partial collapse of stonework on the east facing corner.
Fire appliances from Ventnor, Shanklin, Ryde and Newport are on scene, alongside Police, after the alarm was raised shortly after 07:30.
The tenants of the property have told Island Echo that they were asleep in their bed when the sudden collapse woke them up, opening their eyes to see rubble flying past the window. The couple and their children then managed to evacuate as they feared for what could happen next.
Debris has fallen through the roof of a neighbouring property – an occupied holiday home – landing on a bed.
Thankfully, all persons have managed to escape uninjured although paramedics have checked over those involved.
UPDATE @ 09:20 – Leighton Bryant, IWFRS Tactical Advisor for the incident, has told Island Echo that a total of 3 properties have been evacuated, with the British Red Cross requested to attend the scene to provide support to those affected.
Water, gas and electric supplies have been isolated and the area secured.
2 appliances from Ventnor and Shanklin remain on scene keeping a watching brief, with Ryde and Newport released to return to station. Fire crews are awaiting the arrival of structural surveyors from the Isle of Wight Council to assess the extent of the damage and the options moving forward.
It is unknown at this stage how long the road will remain closed for.
This morning’s incident coincides with a yellow weather warning for strong winds across the Isle of Wight.
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We live in Ryde and noticed cracks appearing in the back wall of our house in June. I contacted Axa insurance who we have buildings and contents cover with and, in a nutshell, after phone calls, letters, and a visit from their structural engineer they are not prepared to do any remedial work as it has been put down to wear and tear and not storm damage. If it should fall which looks very likely, it could well take a good deal of the bathroom wall with it and as it is right on our boundary with our neighbour it could cause damage to them and/or their property too. They will pay out for subsidence or public liability if needed up to a million pounds but not approx £4000 to take away that risk. The battle continues and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the above incident on local tv news. I hope they have better luck than us with their insurers unless it is Axa!!!